Fall flowers in Wisconsin: A Vibrant Farewell to Summer
As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to turn, Wisconsin’s landscapes transform into a tapestry of warm hues. While many associate spring with blooming flowers, autumn in Wisconsin boasts its own unique floral display. Here’s a guide to some of the most captivating fall flowers you can find in the Badger State:
Asters: Stars of the Autumn Garden
Asters are a quintessential fall flower, offering a burst of color just as other blooms begin to fade. These daisy-like flowers come in a variety of shades, including purple, pink, blue, and white. They’re a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies as they prepare for winter.
Chrysanthemums: Mums the Word for Fall Color
Chrysanthemums, or mums as they’re commonly known, are a fall staple. Available in a wide array of colors and forms, mums can add a vibrant touch to any garden or landscape. They’re relatively low-maintenance and can withstand the cooler temperatures of autumn.
Goldenrods: A Golden Touch to Autumn Landscapes
Goldenrods are often overlooked, but these bright yellow flowers are a valuable source of nectar for pollinators in the fall. They add a cheerful splash of gold to meadows and roadsides, creating a picturesque autumn scene.
Sunflowers: Giants of the Fall Garden
Sunflowers, with their large, sunny faces, are a symbol of late summer and early fall. These impressive flowers not only add beauty to the landscape but also provide seeds for birds and other wildlife.
Coneflowers: Echinacea’s Colorful Cousins
Coneflowers, related to the popular Echinacea, are another group of fall-blooming flowers that attract pollinators. Their vibrant petals in shades of purple, pink, and white add a touch of whimsy to the autumn garden.
Sedum: Succulents for Fall Interest
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, are succulents that offer unique texture and color to fall landscapes. Their fleshy leaves and clusters of small flowers come in shades of pink, red, and purple, providing interest even as other plants begin to fade.
Ornamental Grasses: Adding Movement and Texture
While not flowers in the traditional sense, ornamental grasses add a dynamic element to fall gardens. Their feathery plumes and swaying stalks create movement and texture, complementing the vibrant colors of fall flowers.
Fall Blooming Trees and Shrubs: A Colorful Backdrop
In addition to flowers, several trees and shrubs put on a spectacular show in the fall. Maple trees, with their fiery red and orange leaves, are a classic symbol of autumn. Other trees and shrubs that offer fall color include dogwoods, serviceberries, and viburnums.
Where to Find Fall Flowers in Wisconsin
Botanical Gardens: Visit botanical gardens like the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison or the Boerner Botanical Gardens in Milwaukee to see a variety of fall flowers and plants.
Tips for Enjoying Fall Flowers in Wisconsin
Plan your visit: Check the blooming schedule for specific flowers or gardens you want to see.
Fall in Wisconsin is a season of beauty and abundance, with a variety of flowers and foliage to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring a botanical garden or simply taking a walk in your neighborhood, be sure to appreciate the vibrant colors and unique charm of Wisconsin’s fall flowers.
fall flowers in wisconsin